Managing objectives associated with a virtual space based on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected

ABSTRACT

Objectives, an environment, and/or a theme associated with a virtual space may be managed based on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected. Tokens, including a first token associated with a first character or a second token associated with a second character, may be detected based on signals received from one or more token readers. The first character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the first token being detected and the second character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the second token being detected. Responsive to one or both of the first token being detected or the second token being detected, a given objective associated with the virtual space may be effectuated in the virtual space, an environment of the virtual space may be modified, and/or a theme of the virtual space being modified.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to managing objectives, an environment, and/or atheme associated with a virtual space based on characters madeaccessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, various aspects of a virtual space may be managed. Suchmanaging, however, may be typically based on a stage or level ofcompletion of gameplay within the virtual space. For example, in avideogame, an environment may be modified, or a new environment may beintroduced, responsive to a user reaching a certain level of gameplay.Furthermore, the availability of specific user characters and/ornon-user characters may generally also be dependent on a stage or levelof completion of gameplay within the virtual space.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured to manageobjectives, an environment, and/or a theme associated with a virtualspace based on characters made accessible responsive to correspondingtokens being detected, in accordance with one or more implementations. Atoken may be associated with a character. The token may be configured todepict the character. The token may be detected based on signalsreceived from one or more token readers. The character may be madeaccessible in the virtual space responsive to the token being detected.Responsive to the first token being detected a given objectiveassociated with the virtual space may be effectuated in the virtualspace, an environment of the virtual space may be modified, and/or atheme of the virtual space being modified.

The system may include one or more virtual space platforms. The virtualspace platform(s) may be configured to execute one or more computerprogram modules. The computer program modules may include one or more ofa user module, a space module, a token detection module, an objectivesmanagement module, an environment management module, a theme managementmodule, a history module, a user selection interface module, and/orother modules. The user module may be configured to access and/or manageone or more user profiles and/or user information associated with usersof system. The space module may be configured to implement the instanceof the virtual space executed by the computer modules to determine viewsof the virtual space.

The token detection module may be configured to detect tokens based onsignals received from one or more token readers. A given token may be astandalone physical object. The given token may be associated with agiven character. In some implementations, the given token may beconfigured to depict the given character. The given character may beaccessible in the virtual space responsive to the given token beingdetected. Examples of the given token may include one or more of a toyfiguring, a coin, and/or other form factors suitable to be tokens asdescribed herein.

The objectives management module may be configured to manage objectivesassociated with the virtual space. Generally speaking, a given objectivemay be a purpose or goal that efforts or actions within the virtualspace are intended to attain or accomplish. By way of non-limitingexample, an objective may include a set of actions that must beperformed by a user character in order to advance to a next level ofgameplay in the virtual space. In some implementations, a givenobjective may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to a giventoken being detected.

Where the tokens include a first token associated with a first characterand a second token associated with a second character, and where theobjectives include a first objective and a second objective, the firstobjective may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to thefirst token being detected and the second objective may be effectuatedin the virtual space responsive to the second token being detected. Insome implementations, the first character may be assigned the firstobjective responsive to the first objective being effectuated in thevirtual space. In some implementations, the first character may beassigned the second objective responsive to the second objective beingeffectuated in the virtual space. The first objective may be modifiedresponsive to the second objective being effectuated in the virtualspace. According to some implementations, a third objective may beeffectuated in the virtual space responsive to both the first token andthe second token being detected. The third objective may include one ormore attributes of the first objective and one or more attributes of thesecond objective.

The environment management module may be configured to manage anenvironment of the virtual space. Generally speaking, the environmentmay be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space.By way on non-limiting example, the surroundings of the virtual spacemay include one or more of the appearance of the virtual space, a colorscheme of the virtual space, a sound and/or soundtrack associated withthe virtual space, and/or other aspects of the surroundings of thevirtual space. The conditions of the virtual space may include one ormore of laws of nature (e.g., gravity) of the virtual space, weatherdepicted in the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the conditions ofthe virtual space. The environment management module may be configuredto modify the environment of the virtual space responsive to a giventoken being detected. Modifying the environment may include modifyingone or both of the surroundings or the conditions of the virtual space.

According to some implementations, where the tokens include a firsttoken associated with a first character and a second token associatedwith a second character, the environment may be modified responsive toone or both of the first token being detected or the second token beingdetected. A modification to one or both of the surroundings or theconditions of the virtual space may be based on one or both of (1) atheme associated with the first character or (2) a theme associated withthe second character. Themes are described further herein in connectionwith the theme management module. In some implementations, modifying theenvironment may include one or both of (1) effectuating one or morefirst environmental features in the environment of the virtual spaceresponsive to the first token being detected or (2) effectuating one ormore second environmental features in the environment of the virtualspace responsive to the first token being detected. Given environmentalfeatures may include portions or aspects of the environment of thevirtual space that are associated with a given character.

In some implementations, the environment of the virtual space may beperceived in a first manner by the first character and in a secondmanner by the second character. The first manner may be different fromthe second manner. By way of non-limiting example, the first charactermay perceive the virtual space at nighttime, while the second charactermay perceive the virtual space in the daytime. The first manner ofperceiving the environment of the virtual space may correspond to atheme associated with the first character. The second manner ofperceiving the environment of the virtual space may correspond to atheme associated with the second character. Again, themes are describedfurther herein in connection with the theme management module.

The theme management module may be configured to manage a theme of thevirtual space. Generally speaking, the theme of the virtual space may bea unifying subject associated with the virtual space. A given charactermay be one of a given plurality of characters associated with a giventheme. The theme of the virtual space may be modified based on the giventheme responsive to a token associated with the given character beingdetected. Modifying the theme of the virtual space based on the giventheme may include incorporating one or more attributes of the giventheme in the theme of the virtual space. Examples of such attributes mayinclude one or more of designs, symbols, color schemes, music, and/orother attributes that identify a given theme.

According to some implementations, where the tokens include a firsttoken associated with a first character and a second token associatedwith a second character, the first character may be one of a firstplurality of characters associated with a first theme and the secondcharacter may be one of a second plurality of characters associated witha second theme. The first theme may be different from the second theme.The theme of the virtual space may include a combination of the firsttheme and the second theme. In some implementations, the theme of thevirtual space may be perceived in a first manner by the first characterand in a second manner by the second character. The first manner ofperceiving the theme of the virtual space may correspond to the firsttheme, while the second manner of perceiving the theme of the virtualspace may correspond to the second theme.

The history module may be configured to record information associatedwith the virtual space. Such information may include one or more ofthings effectuated within the virtual space, modifications made to thevirtual space, and/or other information associated with the virtualspace. Recording such information may ensure or promote unique userexperiences.

In some implementations, the history module may be configured to recordobjectives effectuated in the virtual space. The objectives managementmodule may be configured such that, based on the recorded objectives (1)a given combination of objectives may not be effectuated more than oncein the virtual space, (2) a given objective may not be effectuated morethan once in the virtual space, or (3) a given objective may not beassigned to the same character more than once.

In some implementations, history module may be configured to recordmodifications made to the environment of the virtual space. Theenvironment management module may be configured such that, based on therecorded modifications, a given modification to the environment of thevirtual space may not be made more than once.

The history module may be configured to record modifications made to thetheme of the virtual space. The theme management module may beconfigured such that, based on the recorded modifications, a givenmodification to the theme of the virtual space may not be made more thanonce.

The user selection interface module may be configured to provide a userselection interface. The user selection interface may include one ormore of an objective field, an environment field, a theme field, and/orother fields and/or information.

The objective field may be configured to receive user selectionsassociated with the objectives effectuated in the virtual space. Theenvironment field may be configured to receive user selectionsassociated with modifications to the environment of the virtual space.The theme field may be configured to receive user selections associatedwith the theme of the virtual space.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to manage objectives, anenvironment, and/or a theme associated with a virtual space based oncharacters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens beingdetected, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user selection interface, in accordance with one ormore implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for managing objectives within a virtualspace based on characters made accessible responsive to correspondingtokens being detected, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for managing an environment of a virtualspace based on characters made accessible responsive to correspondingtokens being detected, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method for managing a theme of a virtual spacebased on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokensbeing detected, in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to manage objectives, anenvironment, and/or a theme associated with a virtual space based oncharacters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens beingdetected, in accordance with one or more implementations. In exemplaryimplementations, a given token may be configured to depict a givencharacter. By way of non-limiting example, the given character may beCaptain Jack Sparrow, the fictional character and protagonist of thePirates of the Caribbean film series. The given token may be a toyfigurine embodying the appearance of Captain Jack Sparrow. The toyfigurine may be configured to be detected by one or more token readers.In some implementations, the toy figurine may be disposed upon the tokenreader in order for it to be detected. The Captain Jack Sparrowcharacter may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to thetoy figurine being detected.

According to some implementations, responsive to the toy figurine beingdetected, a given objective associated with the virtual space may beeffectuated in the virtual space, an environment of the virtual spacemay be modified, and/or a theme of the virtual space being modified. Thegiven objective may be associated with the Captain Jack Sparrowcharacter. For example, the given objective may include attaining a goalof Captain Jack Sparrow from the storyline of the Pirates of theCaribbean film series. A given modification to the environment may alterthe environment of the virtual space so that it resembles an environmentdepicted the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. A given modificationto the theme may alter the theme of the virtual environment so that itincludes elements of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.

The system 100 may include one or more virtual space platforms 102. Insome implementations, virtual space platform(s) 102 may be one or moreservers (e.g., server(s) 104) configured to communicate with one or moreclient computing platform (e.g., client computing platforms 106)according to a client/server architecture. According to someimplementations, virtual space platform(s) 102 may be one or more clientcomputing platforms (e.g., client computing platforms 106). In someimplementations, virtual space platform(s) 102 may communicate withother virtual space platform(s) 102 according to a peer-to-peerarchitecture. The users may access system 100 and/or the virtual spacevia the virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or client computingplatform(s) 106.

The virtual space platform(s) 102 may be configured to execute one ormore computer program modules. The computer program modules may includeone or more of a user module 108, a space module 110, a token detectionmodule 112, an objectives management module 114, an environmentmanagement module 116, a theme management module 118, a history module120, a user selection interface module 122, and/or other modules.

The user module 108 may be configured to access and/or manage one ormore user profiles and/or user information associated with users ofsystem 100. The one or more user profiles and/or user information mayinclude information stored by virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or otherstorage locations. The user profiles may include, for example,information identifying users (e.g., a username or handle, a number, anidentifier, and/or other identifying information) within the virtualspace, security login information (e.g., a login code or password),virtual space account information, subscription information, virtualcurrency account information (e.g., related to currency held in creditfor a user), relationship information (e.g., information related torelationships between users in the virtual space), virtual space usageinformation, demographic information associated with users, interactionhistory among users in the virtual space, information stated by users,purchase information of users, browsing history of users, a clientcomputing platform identification associated with a user, a phone numberassociated with a user, and/or other information related to users.

The space module 110 may be configured to implement the instance of thevirtual space executed by the computer modules to determine views of thevirtual space. In some implementations, the views may then becommunicated (e.g., via streaming, via object/position data, and/orother information) from server(s) 104 to client computing platform(s)106 for presentation to users. The view determined and presented to agiven user may correspond to a user character being controlled by thegiven user. The view determined and presented to the given user maycorrespond to a location in the virtual space (e.g., the location fromwhich the view is taken, the location the view depicts, and/or otherlocations), a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view,and/or view parameters. One or more of the view parameters may beselectable by the user.

The instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that isaccessible by users via virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or clients(e.g., client computing platform(s) 106) that present the views of thevirtual space to a user. The simulated space may have a topography,express ongoing real-time interaction by one or more users, and/orinclude one or more objects positioned within the topography that arecapable of locomotion within the topography. In some instances, thetopography may be a 2-dimensional topography. In other instances, thetopography may be a 3-dimensional topography. The topography may includedimensions of the space, and/or surface features of a surface or objectsthat are “native” to the space. In some instances, the topography maydescribe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least asubstantial portion of the space. In some instances, the topography maydescribe a volume with one or more bodies positioned therein (e.g., asimulation of gravity-deprived space with one or more celestial bodiespositioned therein). The instance executed by the computer modules maybe synchronous, asynchronous, and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which views of the virtual spaceare determined by space module 110 is not intended to be limiting. Thespace module 110 may be configured to express the virtual space in amore limited, or richer, manner. For example, views determined for thevirtual space may be selected from a limited set of graphics depictingan event in a given place within the virtual space. The views mayinclude additional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content,and/or other content) that describes particulars of the current state ofthe place, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a viewmay include a generic battle graphic with a textual description of theopponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual placeswithin the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by space module110, users may control characters, objects, simulated physical phenomena(e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or otherelements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual spaceand/or each other. The user characters may include avatars. As usedherein, the term “user character” may refer to an object (or group ofobjects) present in the virtual space that represents an individualuser. The user character may be controlled by the user with which it isassociated. The user controlled element(s) may move through and interactwith the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space,other objects in the virtual space). The user controlled elementscontrolled by and/or associated with a given user may be created and/orcustomized by the given user. The user may have an “inventory” ofvirtual goods and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., bymanipulation of a user character or other user controlled element,and/or other items) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the instance of the virtual space bycontrolling one or more of the available user controlled elements in thevirtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/orcommands input by the users through virtual space platform(s) 102 and/orclients (e.g., client computing platform(s) 106). The users may interactwith each other through communications exchanged within the virtualspace. Such communications may include one or more of textual chat,instant messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or othercommunications. Communications may be received and entered by the usersvia their respective virtual space platform(s) 102 and/or client(s)(e.g., client computing platform(s) 106). Communications may be routedto and from the appropriate users through virtual space platform(s) 102(e.g., through space module 110).

The token detection module 112 may be configured to detect tokens basedon signals received from a token reader 124. A given token (e.g., token125) may be a standalone physical object. The given token may beassociated with a given character. In some implementations, the giventoken may be configured to depict the given character. The givencharacter may be accessible in the virtual space responsive to the giventoken being detected. Examples of the given token may include one ormore of a toy figuring, a coin, and/or other form factors suitable to betokens as described herein.

Individual tokens may be configured to be detectable by token reader124. In some implementations, detection of a given token may be based ona shape of a portion of the given token. In some implementations, agiven token may be detectable based on a given signal conveyinginformation associated with the given token. Detection of a given tokenmay be facilitated by electronics embedded within or otherwise includedin the given token. For example, the given token may include aradio-frequency identification (RFID) chip configured to emitradio-frequency electromagnetic fields responsive to the given tokenbeing disposed in a proximity of token reader 124. As another example,the given token may include an integrated circuit configured to transferinformation associated with the given token responsive to the giventoken being placed in contact with a portion of token reader 124.

According to some implementations, virtual space content associated with(1) objectives associated with the virtual space, (2) an environment ofthe virtual space, (3) a theme of the virtual space, and/or othervirtual space content may be stored at a location other than one or moreof the tokens. That is, a given token may not store virtual spacecontent. A given token may store information used to detect the giventoken. A given token may not store information other than what may beused to detect the given token. Virtual space content may be informationused by space module 110 to affect views and/or gameplay of the virtualspace. Such virtual space content may be stored by the virtual spaceplatform(s) and/or by one or more other components of system 100.

The token reader 124 may be configured to provide signals associatedwith individual tokens. For example, a given signal associated with agiven token may convey information associated with the given token. Insome implementations, token reader 124 may be configured to provide afirst signal responsive to one or more of (1) a first token abutting aportion of the token reader, (2) the first token being disposed in aproximity of the token reader, and/or other actions configured tofacilitate detection of the first token. According to someimplementations, token reader 124 may be a peripheral device configuredto be communicatively coupled with one or more components of system 100.In some implementations, token reader 124 may be integrated so as toform a singular device with a component of system 100 (e.g., a givenvirtual space platform 102).

The objectives management module 114 may be configured to manageobjectives associated with the virtual space. Generally speaking, agiven objective may be a purpose or goal that efforts or actions withinthe virtual space are intended to attain or accomplish. By way ofnon-limiting example, an objective may include a set of actions thatmust be performed by a user character in order to advance to a nextlevel of gameplay in the virtual space. In some implementations, a givenobjective may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to a giventoken being detected.

Where the tokens include a first token associated with a first characterand a second token associated with a second character, and where theobjectives include a first objective and a second objective, the firstobjective may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to thefirst token being detected and the second objective may be effectuatedin the virtual space responsive to the second token being detected. Byway of non-limiting example, the first character may be Captain JackSparrow and the second character may be Buzz Lightyear, the fictionalcharacter and deuteragonist of the Toy Story film series. The firstobjective may relate to swashbuckling and the second object may relateto a space adventure. In some implementations, the first character maybe assigned the first objective responsive to the first objective beingeffectuated in the virtual space. In some implementations, the firstcharacter may be assigned the second objective responsive to the secondobjective being effectuated in the virtual space. The first objectivemay be modified responsive to the second objective being effectuated inthe virtual space. According to some implementations, a third objectivemay be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to both the firsttoken and the second token being detected. The third objective mayinclude one or more attributes of the first objective and one or moreattributes of the second objective.

The environment management module 116 may be configured to manage anenvironment of the virtual space. Generally speaking, the environmentmay be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space.By way on non-limiting example, the surroundings of the virtual spacemay include one or more of the appearance of the virtual space, a colorscheme of the virtual space, a sound and/or soundtrack associated withthe virtual space, and/or other aspects of the surroundings of thevirtual space. The conditions of the virtual space may include one ormore of laws of nature (e.g., gravity) of the virtual space, weatherdepicted in the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the conditions ofthe virtual space. The environment management module 116 may beconfigured to modify the environment of the virtual space responsive toa given token being detected. Modifying the environment may includemodifying one or both of the surroundings or the conditions of thevirtual space.

According to some implementations, where the tokens include a firsttoken associated with a first character and a second token associatedwith a second character, the environment may be modified responsive toone or both of the first token being detected or the second token beingdetected. A modification to one or both of the surroundings or theconditions of the virtual space may be based on one or both of (1) atheme associated with the first character or (2) a theme associated withthe second character. Themes are described further herein in connectionwith theme management module 118. In some implementations, modifying theenvironment may include one or both of (1) effectuating one or morefirst environmental features in the environment of the virtual spaceresponsive to the first token being detected or (2) effectuating one ormore second environmental features in the environment of the virtualspace responsive to the first token being detected. Given environmentalfeatures may include portions or aspects of the environment of thevirtual space that are associated with a given character.

In some implementations, the environment of the virtual space may beperceived in a first manner by the first character and in a secondmanner by the second character. The first manner may be different fromthe second manner. By way of non-limiting example, the first charactermay perceive the virtual space at nighttime, while the second charactermay perceive the virtual space in the daytime. The first manner ofperceiving the environment of the virtual space may correspond to atheme associated with the first character. The second manner ofperceiving the environment of the virtual space may correspond to atheme associated with the second character. Again, themes are describedfurther herein in connection with theme management module 118.

The theme management module 118 may be configured to manage a theme ofthe virtual space. Generally speaking, the theme of the virtual spacemay be a unifying subject associated with the virtual space. A givencharacter may be one of a given plurality of characters associated witha given theme. The theme of the virtual space may be modified based onthe given theme responsive to a token associated with the givencharacter being detected. Modifying the theme of the virtual space basedon the given theme may include incorporating one or more attributes ofthe given theme in the theme of the virtual space. Examples of suchattributes may include one or more of objects, designs, symbols, colorschemes, music, and/or other attributes that identify a given theme.

According to some implementations, where the tokens include a firsttoken associated with a first character and a second token associatedwith a second character, the first character may be one of a firstplurality of characters associated with a first theme and the secondcharacter may be one of a second plurality of characters associated witha second theme. The first theme may be different from the second theme.By way of non-limiting example, where the first character is CaptainJack Sparrow and the second character is Buzz Lightyear, the first thememay relate to Pirates of the Caribbean and the second theme may relateto Toy Story. The theme of the virtual space may include a combinationof the first theme and the second theme. In some implementations, thetheme of the virtual space may be perceived in a first manner by thefirst character and in a second manner by the second character. Thefirst manner of perceiving the theme of the virtual space may correspondto the first theme, while the second manner of perceiving the theme ofthe virtual space may correspond to the second theme.

The history module 120 may be configured to record informationassociated with the virtual space. Such information may include one ormore of things effectuated within the virtual space, modifications madeto the virtual space, and/or other information associated with thevirtual space. Recording such information may ensure or promote uniqueuser experiences.

In some implementations, history module 120 may be configured to recordobjectives effectuated in the virtual space. The objectives managementmodule 114 may be configured such that, based on the recorded objectives(1) a given combination of objectives may not be effectuated more thanonce in the virtual space, (2) a given objective may not be effectuatedmore than once in the virtual space, or (3) a given objective may not beassigned to the same character more than once.

In some implementations, history module 120 may be configured to recordmodifications made to the environment of the virtual space. Theenvironment management module 116 may be configured such that, based onthe recorded modifications, a given modification to the environment ofthe virtual space may not be made more than once.

The history module 120 may be configured to record modifications made tothe theme of the virtual space. The theme management module 118 may beconfigured such that, based on the recorded modifications, a givenmodification to the theme of the virtual space may not be made more thanonce.

The user selection interface module 122 may be configured to provide auser selection interface. FIG. 2 illustrates a user selection interface200, in accordance with one or more implementations. The user selectioninterface 200 may be presented via virtual space platform(s) 102 and/orclient computing platform(s) 106. As depicted in FIG. 2, user selectioninterface 200 may include one or more of an objective field 202, anenvironment field 204, a theme field 206, and/or other fields and/orinformation. The depiction of user selection interface 200 in FIG. 2 isnot intended to be limiting as one or more of fields 202, 204, and/or206 may be omitted or combined with another field.

The objective field 202 may be configured to receive user selectionsassociated with the objectives effectuated in the virtual space. In someimplementations, user selection interface 202 (e.g., via objective field202) may be configured to facilitate user selection of which objectivesare assigned to a given character in the virtual space. The objectivefield 202 may be provided by, or in conjunction with, an objectivemanagement module that is the same as or similar to objectivesmanagement module 114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The environment field 204 may be configured to receive user selectionsassociated with modifications to the environment of the virtual space.In some implementations, user selection interface 200 (e.g., viaenvironment field 204) may be configured to facilitate user selection ofwhich environmental modifications are perceived by a given character inthe virtual space. The environment field 204 may be provided by, or inconjunction with, an environment management module that is the same asor similar to environment management module 116, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

The theme field 206 may be configured to receive user selectionsassociated with the theme of the virtual space. In some implementations,user selection interface 200 (e.g., via theme field 206) may beconfigured to facilitate user selection of which modifications are madeto the theme of the virtual space, and/or which thematic modificationsare perceived by a given character in the virtual space. The theme field206 may be provided by, or in conjunction with, a theme managementmodule that is the same as or similar to theme management module 118, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

In some implementations, two or more components of system 100 (e.g.,virtual space platform(s) 102, server(s) 104, client computingplatform(s) 106, token reader 124, and/or external resources 126) may beoperatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. Forexample, such electronic communication links may be established, atleast in part, via a network such as the Internet and/or other networks.It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, andthat the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which twoor more components of system 100 may be operatively linked via someother communication media.

A given server 104 may include one or more processors configured toexecute computer program modules. The computer program modules may beconfigured to enable an expert or user associated with the given server104 to interface with system 100 and/or external resources 126, and/orprovide other functionality attributed herein to server(s) 104.

A given client computing platform 106 may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute computer program modules. The computer programmodules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated withthe given client computing platform 106 to interface with system 100and/or external resources 126, and/or provide other functionalityattributed herein to client computing platform(s) 106. By way ofnon-limiting example, the given client computing platform 106 mayinclude one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheldcomputer, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gaming console, and/or othercomputing platforms.

The external resources 126 may include sources of information, hostsand/or providers of virtual environments outside of system 100, externalentities participating with system 100, and/or other resources. In someimplementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein toexternal resources 126 may be provided by resources included in system100.

The virtual space platform(s) 102 may include electronic storage 128,one or more processors 130, and/or other components. The virtual spaceplatform(s) 102 may include communication lines, or ports to enable theexchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms.Illustration of virtual space platform(s) 102 in FIG. 1 is not intendedto be limiting. The virtual space platform(s) 102 may include aplurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operatingtogether to provide the functionality attributed herein to virtual spaceplatform(s) 102. For example, virtual space platform(s) 102 may beimplemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together asvirtual space platform(s) 102.

Electronic storage 128 may comprise electronic storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 128 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with virtualspace platform(s) 102 and/or removable storage that is removablyconnectable to virtual space platform(s) 102 via, for example, a port(e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a diskdrive, etc.). Electronic storage 128 may include one or more ofoptically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.),magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic harddrive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g.,EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.),and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronicstorage 128 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g.,cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storageresources). Electronic storage 128 may store software algorithms,information determined by processor(s) 130, information received fromone or more other components of system 100, and/or other informationthat enables virtual space platform(s) 102 to function as describedherein.

The processor(s) 130 may be configured to provide information processingcapabilities in virtual space platform(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 130may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information. Althoughprocessor(s) 130 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is forillustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s) 130may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units maybe physically located within the same device, or processor(s) 130 mayrepresent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operatingin coordination. The processor(s) 130 may be configured to executemodules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and/or other modules.The processor(s) 130 may be configured to execute modules 108, 110, 112,114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and/or other modules by software; hardware;firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware;and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities onprocessor(s) 130.

It should be appreciated that although modules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,118, 120, and 122 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within asingle processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s) 130includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules 108, 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and/or 122 may be located remotely from theother modules. The description of the functionality provided by thedifferent modules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and/or 122described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to belimiting, as any of modules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and/or122 may provide more or less functionality than is described. Forexample, one or more of modules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,and/or 122 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality maybe provided by other ones of modules 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120,and/or 122. As another example, processor(s) 130 may be configured toexecute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all ofthe functionality attributed below to one of modules 108, 110, 112, 114,116, 118, 120, and/or 122.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300, FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400, andFIG. 5 illustrates a method 500, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. The operations of method 300, method 400, and/or method500 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In someembodiments, method 300, method 400, and/or method 500 may beaccomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the operations of method 300, method 400, and/ormethod 500 are respectively illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and/or FIG. 5and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method 300, method 400, and/or method 500 may beimplemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digitalprocessor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to processinformation, an analog circuit designed to process information, a statemachine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processinginformation). The one or more processing devices may include one or moredevices executing some or all of the operations of method 300, method400, and/or method 500 in response to instructions stored electronicallyon an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices mayinclude one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware,and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or moreof the operations of method 300, method 400, and/or method 500.

The method 300, illustrated in FIG. 3, is for managing objectives withina virtual space based on characters made accessible responsive tocorresponding tokens being detected, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 302, the virtual space may be implemented to determineviews of the virtual space. Operation 302 may be performed by a spacemodule that is the same as or similar to space module 110, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

At an operation 304, one or more tokens may be detected based on one ormore signals received from one or more token readers. Where the one ormore tokens include a first token associated with a first character anda second token associated with a second character, the first token maybe detectable based on a first signal conveying information associatedwith the first token, and the second token may be detectable based on asecond signal conveying information associated with the second token.Operation 304 may be performed by a token detection module that is thesame as or similar to token detection module 112, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

At an operation 306, accessibility may be effectuated of one or both ofthe first character or the second character in the virtual space. Thefirst character may be accessible responsive to the first token beingdetected and the second character may be accessible responsive to thesecond token being detected. Operation 306 may be performed by a spacemodule and/or a token detection module that is/are the same as orsimilar to space module 110 and/or token detection module 112,respectively, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 308, objectives associated with the virtual space may bemanaged. The objectives may include a first objective and a secondobjective. The first objective may be effectuated in the virtual spaceresponsive to the first token being detected, whereas the secondobjective may be effectuated in the virtual space responsive to thesecond token being detected. Operation 308 may be performed by anobjectives management module that is the same as or similar toobjectives management module 114, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 310, individual objectives may be assigned to individualcharacters. In some implementations, the first character may be assignedthe first objective responsive to the first objective being effectuatedin the virtual space. In some implementations, the first character maybe assigned the second objective responsive to the second objectivebeing effectuated in the virtual space. Operation 310 may be performedby an objectives management module that is the same as or similar toobjectives management module 114, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 312, objectives effectuated in the virtual space may berecorded. In some implementations, based on the recorded objectives (1)a given combination of objectives may not be effectuated more than oncein the virtual space, (2) a given objective may not be effectuated morethan once in the virtual space, or (3) a given objective may not beassigned to the same character more than once. Operation 312 may beperformed by a history module that is the same as or similar to historymodule 120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 314, a user selection interface may be provided that isconfigured to receive user selections associated with the objectiveseffectuated in the virtual space. Operation 314 may be performed by auser selection interface module that is the same as or similar to userselection interface module 122, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

The method 400, illustrated in FIG. 4, is for managing an environment ofa virtual space based on characters made accessible responsive tocorresponding tokens being detected, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 402, the virtual space may be implemented to determineviews of the virtual space. Operation 402 may be performed by a spacemodule that is the same as or similar to space module 110, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

At an operation 404, one or more tokens may be detected based on one ormore signals received from one or more token readers. Where the one ormore tokens include a first token associated with a first character anda second token associated with a second character, the first token maybe detectable based on a first signal conveying information associatedwith the first token, and the second token may be detectable based on asecond signal conveying information associated with the second token.Operation 404 may be performed by a token detection module that is thesame as or similar to token detection module 112, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

At an operation 406, accessibility may be effectuated of one or both ofthe first character or the second character in the virtual space. Thefirst character may be accessible responsive to the first token beingdetected and the second character may be accessible responsive to thesecond token being detected. Operation 406 may be performed by a spacemodule and/or a token detection module that is/are the same as orsimilar to space module 110 and/or token detection module 112,respectively, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 408, an environment of the virtual space may be managed.The environment may be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions ofthe virtual space. The environment may be modified responsive to one orboth of the first token being detected or the second token beingdetected. Operation 408 may be performed by an environment module thatis the same as or similar to environment module 116, in accordance withone or more implementations.

At an operation 410, modifications made to the environment of thevirtual space may be recorded. In some implementations, based on therecorded modifications, a given modification to the environment of thevirtual space may not be made more than once. Operation 410 may beperformed by a history module that is the same as or similar to historymodule 120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 412, a user selection interface may be provided that isconfigured to receive user selections associated with modifications tothe environment of the virtual space. Operation 412 may be performed bya user selection interface module that is the same as or similar to userselection interface module 122, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

The method 500, illustrated in FIG. 5, is for managing a theme of avirtual space based on characters made accessible responsive tocorresponding tokens being detected, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

At an operation 502, the virtual space may be implemented to determineviews of the virtual space. Operation 502 may be performed by a spacemodule that is the same as or similar to space module 110, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

At an operation 504, one or more tokens may be detected based on one ormore signals received from one or more token readers. Where the one ormore tokens include a first token associated with a first character anda second token associated with a second character, the first token maybe detectable based on a first signal conveying information associatedwith the first token, and the second token may be detectable based on asecond signal conveying information associated with the second token.The first character may be one of a first plurality of charactersassociated with a first theme, while the second character may be one ofa second plurality of characters associated with a second theme.Operation 504 may be performed by a token detection module that is thesame as or similar to token detection module 112, in accordance with oneor more implementations.

At an operation 506, accessibility may be effectuated of one or both ofthe first character or the second character in the virtual space. Thefirst character may be accessible responsive to the first token beingdetected and the second character may be accessible responsive to thesecond token being detected. Operation 506 may be performed by a spacemodule and/or a token detection module that is/are the same as orsimilar to space module 110 and/or token detection module 112,respectively, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 508, a theme of the virtual space may be managed. Thismay include modifying the theme of the virtual space based on the firsttheme responsive to the first token being detected, and/or modifying thetheme of the virtual space based on the second theme responsive to thesecond token being detected. Operation 508 may be performed by a thememanagement module that is the same as or similar to theme managementmodule 118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 510, modifications made to the theme of the virtualspace may be recorded. In some implementations, based on the recordedmodifications, a given modification to the theme of the virtual spacemay not be made more than once. Operation 510 may be performed by ahistory module that is the same as or similar to history module 120, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation 512, a user selection interface may be provided that isconfigured to receive user selections associated with the theme of thevirtual space. Operation 512 may be performed by a user selectioninterface module that is the same as or similar to user selectioninterface module 122, in accordance with one or more implementations.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to manage objectives within avirtual space based on characters made accessible responsive tocorresponding tokens being detected, the system comprising: one or morephysical processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:execute an instance of a virtual space and implement the instance of thevirtual space to determine views of the virtual space; detect tokensbased on signals received from one or more token readers, a given tokenbeing a standalone physical object, the tokens including a first tokenassociated with a first character and depicting an appearance of thefirst character, and a second token associated with a second characterand having a physical appearance that is different from the first token,the first token being detectable based on a first signal conveyinginformation associated with the first token, and the second token beingdetectable based on a second signal conveying information associatedwith the second token, the first character being accessible in theinstance of the virtual space responsive to the first token beingdetected, and the second character being accessible in the instance ofthe virtual space responsive to the second token being detected; andmanage objectives for characters within the virtual space, a givenobjective for a given character being a purpose or goal that efforts oractions of the given character within the virtual space are intended toattain or accomplish, the objectives including a first objective and asecond objective, the first objective being effectuated in the instanceof the virtual space that includes the first character responsive to thefirst token being detected, and the second objective being effectuatedin the instance of the virtual space that includes the second characterresponsive to the second token being detected, wherein virtual spacecontent associated with the objectives is stored at a location otherthan the one or more tokens; wherein the first character is assigned thefirst objective responsive to the first objective being effectuated inthe instance of the virtual space; and wherein the first character isassigned the second objective responsive to the second objective beingeffectuated in the instance of the virtual space.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first token is a toy figurine.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein: the tokens further include a third token, the third tokenhaving a physical appearance that is different from the first token, thethird token being detectable based on a third signal conveyinginformation associated with the third token; the objectives furtherinclude a third objective, the third objective being effectuated in thevirtual space responsive to the third token being detected; and whereinfirst character is assigned the third objective responsive to the thirdobjective being effectuated in the instance of the virtual space.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein a third objective is effectuated in theinstance of the virtual space responsive to both the first token and thesecond token being detected, the third objective including one or moreattributes of the first objective and one or more attributes of thesecond objective; and wherein first character is assigned the thirdobjective responsive to the third objective being effectuated in theinstance of the virtual space.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst objective is modified responsive to the second objective beingeffectuated in the instance of the virtual space.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured bymachine-readable instructions to record objectives effectuated in theinstance of the virtual space.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the oneor more physical processors are further configured by machine-readableinstructions such that, based on the recorded objectives: a givencombination of objectives is not effectuated more than once in theinstance of the virtual space, a given objective is not effectuated morethan once in the instance of the virtual space, or a given objective isnot assigned to the same character more than once.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are furtherconfigured by machine-readable instructions to provide a user selectioninterface, the user selection interface being configured to receive userselections associated with the objectives effectuated in the instance ofthe virtual space.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the user selectioninterface facilitates user selection of which objectives are assigned toa given character in the instance of the virtual space.
 10. Acomputer-implemented method for managing objectives within a virtualspace based on characters made accessible responsive to correspondingtokens being detected, the method being performed by a computer systemincluding one or more physical processors and storage media storingmachine-readable instructions, the method comprising: executing aninstance of a virtual space and implementing the instance of the virtualspace to determine views of the virtual space; detecting tokens based onsignals received from one or more token readers, a given token being astandalone physical object, the tokens including a first tokenassociated with a first character and depicting an appearance of thefirst character, and a second token associated with a second characterand having a physical appearance that is different from the first token,the first token being detectable based on a first signal conveyinginformation associated with the first token, the second token beingdetectable based on a second signal conveying information associatedwith the second token; effectuating accessibility of the first characterin the instance of the virtual space, the first character beingaccessible in the instance of the virtual space responsive to the firsttoken being detected; effectuating accessibility of the second characterin the instance of the virtual space, the second character beingaccessible in the instance of the virtual space responsive to the secondtoken being detected; and managing objectives for characters within thevirtual space, a given objective being a purpose or goal that efforts oractions for a given character within the virtual space are intended toattain or accomplish, the objectives including a first objective and asecond objective, the first objective being effectuated in the instanceof the virtual space that includes the first character responsive to thefirst token being detected, and the second objective being effectuatedin the instance of the virtual space that includes the second characterresponsive to the second token being detected, wherein virtual spacecontent associated with the objectives is stored at a location otherthan the one or more tokens; wherein the first character is assigned thefirst objective responsive to the first objective being effectuated inthe instance of the virtual space; and wherein the first character isassigned the second objective responsive to the second objective beingeffectuated in the instance of the virtual space.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the first token is a toy figurine.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein: the tokens further comprise a third token, the thirdtoken having a physical appearance that is different from the firsttoken, the third token being detectable based on a third signalconveying information associated with the third token; the objectivesfurther include a third objective, the third objective being effectuatedin the virtual space responsive to the third token being detected; andwherein the method further comprises assigning the first character thethird objective responsive to the third objective being effectuated inthe instance of the virtual space.
 13. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising effectuating a third objective in the instance of the virtualspace responsive to both the first token and the second token beingdetected, the third objective including one or more attributes of thefirst objective and one or more attributes of the second objective; andwherein first character is assigned the third objective responsive tothe third objective being effectuated in the instance of the virtualspace.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising modifying thefirst objective responsive to the second objective being effectuated inthe instance of the virtual space.
 15. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising recording objectives effectuated in the instance of thevirtual space.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein, based on therecorded objectives: a given combination of objectives is noteffectuated more than once in the instance of the virtual space, a givenobjective is not effectuated more than once in the instance of thevirtual space, or a given objective is not assigned to the samecharacter more than once.
 17. The method of claim 10, further comprisingproviding a user selection interface, the user selection interface beingconfigured to receive user selections associated with the objectiveseffectuated in the instance of the virtual space.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the user selection interface facilitates userselection of which objectives are assigned to a given character in theinstance of the virtual space.